Russell Simmons

Joe Budden Defends Russell Simmons As “Kind, Gentle, & Sweet” Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Joe Budden has come to the defense of Russell Simmons after over a dozen women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The conversation arose while Budden was discussing Def Jam co-founder linking up with Usher in Bali. After Simmons shared the picture of himself with Usher, fans on social media condemned the iconic singer for being affiliated with him.

“They love Russell Simmons,” Joe Budden said on his podcast. “I know y’all don’t want to say it, y’all don’t want to admit to it. I know people seen whatever doc they seen, people believe what they believe. There’s nothing y’all can do to make people stop loving Russell Simmons. Not a thing in the world. Not a thing in the universe is going to make people stop loving Russell Simmons for as many lives as he impacted.”

Read More: Russell Simmons Thanks Usher For Paying Him A Visit, Fans Go Wild With Theories

Russell Simmons Attends City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Russell Simmons attends the 2023 City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala at Pacific Design Center on October 18, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

He continued to say that Simmons “has been nothing but kind, gentle, sweet, generous and amazing if you don’t have that horror story.” He added: “As somebody that has spent a lot of time in the music business, nobody speaks to the side where the women were auctioning their p*ssy to move up in the ranks of the system. This existed way before I got to town. But that was happening too. But nobody says that part. Again, I’m not speaking about Russell Simmons, I’m just talking blanket, broad.” Check out the full podcast episode below.

Joe Budden Speaks On Russell Simmons

Simmons stepped down from his role at Def Jam back in 2017 amid the early allegations. Be on the lookout for further updates on Joe Budden on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Suge Knight Accuses Russell Simmons & Andre Harrell Of Having An Affair

[Via]

The post Joe Budden Defends Russell Simmons As “Kind, Gentle, & Sweet” Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Usher Receives Backlash After Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali

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Usher Receives Backlash After Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali

Usher received backlash online after visiting and enjoying yoga with Russell Simmons in Bali.

Simmons hit Instagram to show Usher visited his yoga class, taking a spot in the first row. He also celebrated Usher’s presence in his life:

When i was at the lowest point in my life i woke up and this man was sitting by my bed .. i had known usher since he was a kid but we really bonded because of our mutual love for self discovery and our belief in Yogic science as a direct route to realizing Gods conciousness in ourselves …People remember to remember this ..a friend walks in when others walk out … i will never forget the generosity of spirit i witnessed in this man God bless you baby bro @usher 🙏🏾 love you !!!!

In a seperate post, Simmons hihlighted the “generosity of spirit” from Usher.

That same harmonic energy did not transfer to fans as users hit X to criticize Usher’s visit and Simmons has been accused of many crimes against women.

The post Usher Receives Backlash After Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher Receives Backlash After Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali appeared first on The Source.

Did Usher Visit Russell Simmons In Bali?

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Usher Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Press Conference 2024
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From the beloved My Way The Vegas Residency to his record-setting Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show performance, Usher has had quite an impressive few years. But before the “Good Good” singer hits the road for his Past Present Future tour, Usher is using the downtime to enjoy some family time.

Based on Usher’s latest post online, it appears atop his list was celebrating his nuptials with his longtime partner, Jennifer Goicoechea. During Super Bowl LVIII weekend, the pair snuck away to officially tie the knot. Shortly after, Usher began a hectic promotional run to discuss his latest studio album, Coming Home.

After wrapping up his press tour, it appears the Raymonds jet set off on their official honeymoon. However, fans aren’t happy about the destination the couple chose.

Did Usher Visit Russell Simmons In Bali?

On February 25, Usher shared a video and photo from a tropical location with his wife. Neither upload onto his official Instagram page revealed the exact country. However, according to Russell Simmon’s latest post, it might’ve been his new stomping grounds, Bali, Indonesia.

In a vlog shared on March 3, Simmons revealed that Usher visited him in his new residence. Simmons went on to pen a sentimental message about the encounter. “When I was at the lowest point in my life, I woke up, and this man was sitting by my bed,” he wrote. “I had known Usher since he was a kid, but we really bonded because of our mutual love for self-discovery and our belief in Yogic science as a direct route to realizing God’s consciousness in ourselves.”

He closed the post by thanking Usher for his ongoing support. “People remember to remember this: a friend walks in when others walk out,” he wrote. “I will never forget the generosity of spirit I witnessed in this man. God bless you, baby bro Usher. [I] love you!”

Fans of Usher slammed the recording artist for being spotted with Simmons, given the sexual assault allegation the former mogul is facing. View their remarks below.

Usher hasn’t issued a response to the blowback for users online.

Russell Simmons Thanks Usher For Paying Him A Visit, Fans Go Wild With Theories

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Russell Simmons is spending a lot of time in Bali doing yoga, and it looks like a special someone recently popped by to visit him. Moreover, he recently shared a couple of new posts and pictures on Instagram of Usher’s recent visit, which really lifted his spirits. However, people in the comments had a lot to unpack, both due to the music executive’s past alleged crimes concerning sexual misconduct and the R&B star’s implicit mention in a lawsuit against Diddy accusing the Bad Boy mogul of similar behavior. In addition, some took issue with a child’s opened legs in one of the pictures, especially as it relates to this background.

“[Red heart emoji] Morning flow with a bunch of really happy Bali friends,” Russell Simmons captioned his Instagram post. “The generosity of spirit exuded by my friend @usher was amazing. Fyi people were / are always so happy to be in his presence… So when I / they practice with him its a honor.” The former Def Jam boss’ industry ties, such as with the Confessions artist, became significantly smaller upon various claims of sexual assault and other crimes.

Read More: Suge Knight Accuses Russell Simmons & Andre Harrell Of Having An Affair

“When I was at the lowest point in my life i woke up and this man was sitting by my bed,” Russell Simmons continued in another IG post’s caption. “I had known usher since he was a kid but we really bonded because of our mutual love for self discovery and our belief in Yogic science as a direct route to realizing Gods [consciousness] in ourselves. People remember to remember this… a friend walks in when others walk out. I will never forget the generosity of spirit i witnessed in this man. God bless you baby bro @usher [praying hands emoji] love you !!!!”

Meanwhile, the Super Bowl halftime show performer’s yet to respond publicly to the Diddy suit. In a recently resurfaced clip, he actually speaks on a wild experience he had while living with Sean Combs at age 13. This falls under darker context now, and this show of solidarity is also raising eyebrows. With that in mind, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Russell Simmons.

Read More: Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Accuses Him Of Grooming Usher

The post Russell Simmons Thanks Usher For Paying Him A Visit, Fans Go Wild With Theories appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Russell Simmons Accused of Rape of Former Def Jam Employee in New Lawsuit

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Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Russell Simmons is the subject of another rape allegation from a former Def Jam employee. The Jane Doe states Simmons also obstructed her career from advancing.

The lawsuit was filed in New York City federal court under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, revealing the woman worked for Simmons as an executive and video producer.

Doe’s relationship with Simmons was professional and turned violent, impacting her “financial viability.”

The unidentified woman states Simmons invited her to his home music video work, leading to a “playful” attempt of wrestling turned aggressive behavior and rape. The document reads, “Ms Doe repeatedly told Mr Simmons to get off of her, but he refused.”

Following the incident, the woman stated Simmons would intimidate her in the office when he visited her desk, eventually leading her to have panic attacks. The woman is seeking monetary damages as a result of a trial.

The post Russell Simmons Accused of Rape of Former Def Jam Employee in New Lawsuit first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Accused of Rape of Former Def Jam Employee in New Lawsuit appeared first on The Source.

Russell Simmons Is Being Sued By A Former Def Jam Producer For Allegedly Raping Her In The ’90s

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russell simmons
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A former music video producer is suing Russell Simmons for allegedly raping her in the ’90s, according to Variety. The anonymous producer, going by Jane Doe in the suit, filed the suit today, saying that the incident took place when she worked for Simmons’ label, Def Jam in the late 1990s, when she went to his apartment to get approval for a video’s rough cut.

Doe claims that Simmons displayed a pattern of sexual harassment at the Def Jam offices, making sexual innuendos toward her behind closed doors. On the date of the incident in question, she says Simmons “forcefully pinned” her, and continued despite her telling him to “‘get off’ and ‘stop’ several times.” After the incident, she says, she developed depression and anxiety, suffering panic attacks and developing an eating disorder, all of which prompted her to quit her job at Def Jam (she is now a writer and producer elsewhere in the entertainment industry).

She says that she was encouraged to file the lawsuit after coincidentally encountering Simmons at a yoga class in March 2023, where his unapologetic demeanor (Do you think I’m gonna try and f*ck you?” she recalls him saying) revealed he didn’t feel any remorse, despite having been accused of multiple other assaults repeatedly in the prior six years. There have also been a slew of lawsuits filed against other powerful recording industry figures, including Sean “Diddy” Combs, that gave Doe the courage to issue the suit.

While the incident would normally have been past the statute of limitations, New York Adult Survivors Act and Gender Motivated Violence Act allow “lookback windows” in order to pursue such cases. Simmons was also called out by his daughters and ex-wife Kimora Lee on Father’s Day last year for abusiver behavior.

Russell Simmons Faces Rape Allegation In New Lawsuit

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Russell Simmons is facing a new lawsuit from a music video producer who alleges he raped her while she worked for Def Jam Recordings in the 1990s. The Jane Dane says she traveled to Simmons’ Manhattan apartment to get his approval for a rough cut of a video when he made a “wrestling move,” to pin her down on his bed and rape her.

“Ms. Doe rejected his advance and told him to ‘get off’ and ‘stop’ several times,” the lawsuit states. “She told him she was ‘serious’ and she ‘meant it.’ But Ms. Doe was forcefully pinned, could not move under his weight and Mr. Simmons would not listen to her.”

Read More: Russell Simmons Responds To Family’s Comments About His Behavior

Russell Simmons Attends MusiCares Persons Of The Year Ceremony

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Russell. Simmons attends the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at L.A. Convention Center on February 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

It’s far from the first time Simmons has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. He previously stepped down from his role at Def Jam following multiple accusations in 2017. The new lawsuit uses these stories to display a pattern of behavior from Simmons. The alleged victim’s attorneys, Kenya Davis and Sigrid McCawley, also say Jane Doe’s career was thriving at the time of the assault. “She was proud of her contributions to the burgeoning musical genre of hip hop, but her hard work and her career in music was disrupted and derailed by Mr. Simmons, a rich and powerful celebrity whose wealth and influence allowed his abusive behavior to go unchallenged for decades,” they said. “Now a successful writer and producer in the entertainment industry, Jane Doe’s traumatic experiences with Simmons echo those of so many other women who he has preyed upon for decades.”

She says the assault “forever changed” her and she struggled with panic attacks and developed an eating disorder. Jane Doe soon took and quit three different jobs at production companies over a two-year period. In March 2023, she says she ran into Simmons at a yoga class and he remarked: “What, do you think I’m gonna try and f*ck you?” Be on the lookout for further updates on Russell Simmons on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Russell Simmons Accuses Kimora Lee Of Stealing From Him To Bail Out New Husband

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The post Russell Simmons Faces Rape Allegation In New Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Snoop Dogg & Suge Knight Clash Over Affair Claims About Russell Simmons

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Suge Knight, as usual, made some wild claims on his podcast Collect Call, and for its Monday episode (February 5), they had to do with an alleged romantic entanglement between Def Jam label boss Russell Simmons and his counterpart at Uptown Records, the late Andre Harrell. “Everybody know,” he remarked during the episode. “They might not wanna say it, [but] they know they was lovers. They participated in those types of things. Now, once again, a person has the right to be whatever they wanna be. But own it! These men in the industry don’t consider theyself gay. They consider themselves messing with women, but they really don’t like the women because they beat the s**t out of them.

“And they just believe that they’re having fun with each other,” Suge Knight continued. “So when you take Andre Harrell and Russell Simmons, Uptown, Def Jam -– freaky s**t.” Of course, many folks reacted wildly to this speculation, whereas others took more issue with it and believe he’s going through something. Someone in the latter camp was Suge’s former Death Row partner Snoop Dogg, given that the two have clashed a lot in the past. “Smh I’m praying for that brother that he finds peace,” the West Coast rapper commented under coverage of these claims.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Says He Nearly Signed With Suge Knight Before Prison Sentence

Suge Knight Responds To Snoop Dogg

Clearly, Suge Knight did not take well at all to Snoop Dogg’s comments, as he responded angrily on Twitter on Wednesday (February 7). “Show the agreement or proof of payment and I’ll shut up!!! Bet you can’t!!! #Deathrow #snoopdogg,” he let out at first. “If you only could act like this when the camera rolling Snoop Dogg!!! #snoopdogg #underdogg #fakecrip,” the incarcerated record executive captioned what seems like a comedy skit on the social media platform. “You pray for me Snoop Dogg!!! Okay I’ll pray your wife stop going to Hawaii with other men!!!! #snoopdog #bosslady,” he wrote as one final diss against Tha Doggfather.

More Suge Tweets

Meanwhile, we can’t imagine that this exchange will provoke any sort of reconciliation between them. Both of them owned Death Row Records at different eras in their career, and what love they had for each other seems to have gone away for the most part. Hopefully someone else can clarify these stories for us, and Suge in particular can understand why Snoop is concerned for them. On that note, stick around on HNHH for more news and updates on Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight.

Read More: Suge Knight Walks Back On Tupac Tweet, Claims His Account Was Hacked

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The post Snoop Dogg & Suge Knight Clash Over Affair Claims About Russell Simmons appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Russell Simmons Talks Taking Multiple Lie Detector Tests & Addresses ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Allegations

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During the latest episode of In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Russell Simmons addressed his sexual assault allegations, disclosing that he underwent nine lie detector tests. The Def Jam co-founder also confronted allegations of being a “deadbeat dad.”

‘I Took Nine Lie Detector Tests, People Don’t Know That’

Russell Simmons has recently spoken out about the sexual assault allegations against him. 

In the interview with In Depth with Graham Bensinger, released on Dec. 6, the longtime music executive opened up about his decision to take nine lie detector tests. Simmons explained that he felt compelled to take a test for every serious accusation against him. Simmons stressed that he had never been violent and had never apologized for assaulting anyone. 

However, faced with claims from multiple individuals, he felt it necessary to address these allegations through polygraph tests.

“I took nine lie detector tests, people don’t know that,” said Simmons, who was first accused of sexual assault in 2017. Nine separate , seven from the Chairman of the Polygraph Association. One for each and serious accusation,” Simmons said. 

Since 2017, a total of 18 women have come forward with allegations against Simmons, ranging from inappropriate behavior in the workplace to instances of assault and rape. 

‘Violent’ Allegations

Simmons also said that he took one test per “violent” allegation or per claim that he felt could be compounded because several accusers said the same. He explained:

“When someone said, for instance, ‘I was violent,’ one person said that — and I’ve never been violent. Took that. And one said I apologized. I never apologized about assaulting anyone. But if two people say it, because one said it, and #metoo, and the second person said it, then I took a test for it.”

Footage of women who accused Simmons of rape and sexual assault were shown during the interview and each described what happened to them. Users on Twitter (X) reacted to the claims number women and the amount of sexual partners Simmons confessed to have, which he says is over 1,000. 

One user named @eeshgeebor commented “I mean, he moved to a country with a no extradition treaty. If that doesn’t say guilty I don’t know what does,” and one other user named @Yaboit80sbaby commented, “I would think that’s low for Russell Simmons but some of the stories that’s come out about him are cringing!” 

The ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Allegations

Simmons also addressed the allegations of him being a “deadbeat dad.” 

“They know that I love them unconditionally, I can’t unlove them. It’s very hurtful, but you know what my job is? There’s nothing that I can do to convince anyone nor should I need to convince people. I have not responded to any of the negative stuff in the media, the attacks, at all,” Simmons said. 

Simmons also said he is not a deadbeat since he has paid $50,000 a year for 20 years in child support and that he has to talk to his children behind ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons’ back. 

One user named @heacybagofrice commented, “bull, the youngest is  on tiktok and exposing his  crappy ways.” 

Family Feud

In June 2023, Simmons’ daughter, Ming Lee Simmons, stirred controversy when she excluded any mention of her father in her Father’s Day tribute on social media. This public omission raised questions about the relationship dynamics within the Simmons family and sparked a wave of speculation and discussions on social media.

Updated By: Chris Samuel (12/7/23 at 6:50 pm)

Russell Simmons Takes Lie Detector Test & Challenges Accusers, Results Come In

Music mogul Russell Simmons is really out here saving his image. The hip-hop icon has reportedly taken a lie detector test in an effort to respond to rape accusations with evidence showing he’s in the clear.

According to reports, Simmons took a polygraph test Wednesday (December 13) in Los Angeles to address a recent sexual assault accusation from model Keri Claussen Khalighi.

According to Simmons’ attorneys, Michael Sterling and E. Carlos Tanner, Simmons passed with flying colors, and plans to repeat the test for allegations made by 4 other women. They say Russell will release all the results once he’s completed the tests. Russell and his legal team are inviting any of his accusers, including Khalighi, to also take a polygraph. (TMZ)

A few hours ago, Simmons went to social media and promised to fight back against the growing sexual attack claims.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcr6U8AgyNL/

This week, multiple women stepped up and singled Russell out over sexual misconduct.

https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088091296673793
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088324084817921
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088704319369216
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088927397634050

Following the latest accusations, Simmons immediately came forward with a statement to deny the graphic claims.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcqZWCsAlfX/?taken-by=unclerush

Originally Written By: SOHH Squad

The post Russell Simmons Talks Taking Multiple Lie Detector Tests & Addresses ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Allegations appeared first on SOHH.com.

Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago

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Screenshot 2023 11 15 at 6.06.01 AM

On this date 37 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.

On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.

Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”

Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.

Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.